Germaway socks

ABSTRACT

A footwear article is disclosed herein. The footwear article includes a quarter lining structure including side arch, a vamp lining and intertwined ankle support configured to at least partially enclose the foot of an individual wearing the footwear article.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/728,587, filed on Sep. 7, 2018, which application is incorporated herein by reference as if herein set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Millions of people walk barefoot in hotel, airport, gym, health care facilities, at the beach or in a residential setting and are contaminated as the result of being exposed to bacteria. Most health care settings, public (community) and even residential floors are covered with fungus and germs such as bacteria associated with the common cold, influenza, E. coli, listeria, salmonella, etc.

Field of the Disclosed Sock

The present disclosed sock relates to footwear. In particular, the present disclosed sock relates to protective socks.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SOCK

Various embodiments provide a pair of socks designed for ease of use and effectiveness. The instant pair of socks is the ideal apparatus that is convenient, protective and disposable. The sock provides protection, comfort and the ability to walk freely on various surfaces without coming into contact with potentially harmful germs and fits into one's pocket or handbag for easy accessibility and use. Features include comfort, lightness, total breathability and traction. Material used to fabricate the sock includes: 110 GSM Terry Waterproof fabric (80% cotton 20% poly) laminated with 0.02 mm TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), water repellent 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric.

In one embodiment, the sock is worn indoor. In another embodiment, the sock is worn outdoor. Yet in another embodiment, the sock is worn with shoes. In other embodiment, the sock is worn without shoes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present disclosed sock can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Right Side View of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative Left Side view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary Front view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary Rear view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Quarter Lining of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Vamp Lining of the Carpet Germaway Sock according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary Characteristic of Right and Left Patterns for the Vamp Lining of the Carpet Germaway Sock according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Sole of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used to designate elements having substantially the same or similar structure and/or substantially the same or similar function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments provide a pair of socks designed for ease of use and effectiveness. The instant pair of socks is the ideal apparatus that is convenient, protective and disposable. The disclosed sock is disposable allowing the consumer to use it once or until it is no longer useful.

The disclosed sock is convenient, because of its lightweight making it easily accessible to the consumer due to its pliability, which allows it to be unnoticeable when not worn.

The sock provides protection, comfort and the ability to walk freely on various surfaces without coming into contact with potentially harmful germs and fits into one's pocket or handbag for easy accessibility and use. Features include comfort, lightness, total breathability and traction. Material used to fabricate the sock includes: 110 GSM Terry Waterproof fabric (80% cotton 20% poly) laminated with 0.02 mm TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane); fluid repellent 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric thereby making the disclosed sock water repellent.

In one embodiment, the sock is worn indoor. In another embodiment, the sock is worn outdoor. Yet in another embodiment, the sock is worn with shoes. The sock is reusable and water repellant. Most old socks are not reusable nor water repellent. The instant sock can be used in multiple location without concern of soiling or dirtying the bottom of the foot or floor. Old socks usually cannot be used in multiple locations due to the limitation of not being water repellent. Further, the bottom of old socks can be compromised by soiled dirt or grime. The instant sock contours the foot with a distinctive material/patterns that outlines the shape of the foot. Most old socks do not have the distinctive material/pattern that outlines the foot. The instant sock is available in a wide variety of colors and embossed patterns. Most old socks are not available in embossed patterns. The disclosed sock is configured for the left and right foot. The disclosed sock has an enhanced arch designed to better fit the foot. Most old socks do not have enhanced arch designs to better fit the foot. The disclosed sock comes in different sizes for adults and kids. The disclosed sock is unisex. Most old socks are not. The disclosed sock has and anti-slip bottom, which is eco-friendly. Not all old socks have anti-slip bottoms, which are eco-friendly.

The disclosed sock is designed to fully allow an individual to experience walking barefooted with comfort and not compromising an individual's hygiene. Stated differently, the disclosed sock provides protection and the ability to walk freely on various surfaces without coming into contact with potential contaminants indoor or outdoor.

In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is fused. In other embodiment, the disclosed sock is sewn together. Yet, in other embodiment, the disclosed sock is stitched together. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is made with non-woven polypropylene material and Terry-cotton polylaminated fabric. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock has a high durable elastic that gives the sock added support in the ankle area.

In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is fluid repellant not easily penetrated by water especially as a result of the fabric/material being treated with a surface coating. In other embodiment, the fabric is laminated.

In one embodiment, the disclosed sock comes with the unique design patterns for the left and right foot providing the consumer a better contour comfort fit, thereby enabling the disclosed sock from inadvertently slipping off the foot.

Referring now to the figures, as shown the sock comprises four (4) distinct parts namely, a sole, a quarter lining, a vamp lining and an ankle support.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary Right Side View of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. Quarter lining 110, vamp lining 120 and ankle support 130 can be seen from this view with vamp lining 120 prominently shown in solid white. Vamp lining region 120 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with the ankle of the individual. In some embodiments, a design style is used for vamp lining 120. Back hill 140 and sole 145 are also shown. Heel region 140 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with rear portions of the individual's foot, including the heel and calcaneus bone.

This view shows the delineation between quarter lining 110, vamp lining 120, ankle support 130 and sole 145. In some embodiments, vamp lining 120 is adjustable to accommodate the user. In one embodiment, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 145 are sewn together. In other embodiments, the parts are stitched together. Any method can be used to fuse the seam without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

The disclosed sock is configured for the left and right foot. The disclosed sock comes in different sizes for kids and adults. The disclosed sock is Eco-friendly not harmful to the environment (non-toxic).

The disclosed sock is tear resistant which can withstand the effects of easily tearing when being worn. The disclosed sock is made of polypropylene material, which is flame retardant slowing or stopping the spread of fire or reduce its intensity.

In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is customized in various GSM (Grams per Square Meters)/polypropylene/SMS/Spun bond melt blown spun bond materials. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is off-white. In other embodiment, the disclosed sock is made of different colors. For example, the quarter lining is made of a color different from the vamp lining materials and colors. The disclosed sock is made of material that is breathable, durable/tear-resistant, stretchable, lightweight, flame retardant. In one embodiment, the material is UV (Ultraviolet)-protected.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative Left Side view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. Back hill 210 is shown in this view. This the area where the seam is located. The seam is further described in reference to FIG. 4 below.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary Front view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. Quarter lining 330, vamp lining 320 and ankle support 310 can be seen from this view with vamp lining 320 prominently shown in solid white. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is customized with a wide range of signature logos 305. In some embodiments, no logo is embossed on vamp lining 320. Sole 145 is also shown as an integral piece with quarter lining 330.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary Rear view of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the rear piece is adjustable. In other embodiments, the rear piece is fixed. This the area where the seam is located. In one embodiment, the seam is sewn. In other embodiments, the seam is stitched. Any method can be used to fuse the seam without departing from the teachings of this disclosure Quarter lining 430, vamp lining 420 and ankle support 410 are partially shown in this view. In one embodiment, ankle support 410 is a contiguous piece of elastic. In other embodiments, ankle support 410 is less than 360° (360 degrees). Sole 145 is also shown as an integral piece with quarter lining 430.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Quarter Lining of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. The disclosed sock is configured for the left and right foot. The instant sock contours the foot. Hence, right quarter lining 110, 210 is shown having two (2) portions namely, a right portion and left portion forming a contiguous quarter lining 110, 210. In this embodiment, length 510 measures 11.5″ (inches), cross-section 520 measures 9.75″ (inches), length 530 measures 3″ (inches), width 540 measures 3.125″ (inches), length 550 measures 2.75″ (inches), width 560 measures 9.75″ (inches). In other embodiments, the measurement is commensurate with the size of the disclosed sock. It can be appreciated that an artisan of ordinary skill in the art can use other measurements and geometries without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Further, left quarter lining 210 is shown having two (2) portions namely, a right portion and left portion forming a contiguous quarter lining 210. In this embodiment, length 510 measures 11.5″ (inches), cross-section 520 measures 9.75″ (inches), length 530 measures 3″ (inches), width 540 measures 3.125″ (inches), length 550 measures 2.75″ (inches), width 560 measures 9.75″ (inches). In other embodiments, the measurement is commensurate with the size of the disclosed sock. It can be appreciated that an artisan of ordinary skill in the art can use other measurements and geometries without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Vamp Lining of the Carpet Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. Right vamp lining 120 is shown having two (2) portions namely, a right portion and left portion forming a contiguous vamp lining 120. In this embodiment, length 605 measures 6.25″ (inches), cross-section 615 measures 5″ (inches), width 625 measures 3.25″ (inches), length 635 measures 2.75″ (inches) In other embodiments, the measurement is commensurate with the size of the disclosed sock. It can be appreciated that an artisan of ordinary skill in the art can use other measurements and geometries without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Further, left vamp lining 220 is shown having two (2) portions namely, a right portion and left portion forming a contiguous vamp lining 220. In this embodiment, length 605 measures 6.25″ (inches), cross-section 615 measures 5″ (inches), width 625 measures 3.25″ (inches), length 635 measures 2.75″ (inches) In other embodiments, the measurement is commensurate with the size of the disclosed sock. It can be appreciated that an artisan of ordinary skill in the art can use other measurements and geometries without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary Characteristic of Right and Left Patterns for the Vamp Lining of the Carpet Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. Item 705 is emphasized showing two (2) different types of materials. In one embodiment, the interior lining is laminated. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock is fluid repellant not easily penetrated by water especially as a result of the fabric/material being treated with a surface coating. In other embodiment, the fabric is laminated.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary Right and Left Patterns for the Sole of the Germaway Sock according to an embodiment. The sole incorporates anti-slip bottom patterns 895. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock has an anti-slip eco-friendly sole, which is designed to prevent slips. In another embodiment, the disclosed sock is resistant to slipping. In one embodiment, the disclosed sock sole comes without anti-slip pattern 895. In other embodiment, the disclosed sock comes in various anti-slip patterns made up of individual elements. For example, the individual elements making the pattern can be of any shape such as round, square, rectangle and sizes.

Forefoot region of sole 800 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with forward portions of the individual's foot, including the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges including an arch area. Heel region 835, 880 can generally include portions of footwear 100 corresponding with rear portions of the individual's foot. In one embodiment, as for the right sole length 805 measures 10.5″ (inches), cross-section 815 measures 4″ (inches), cross-section 825 measures 3″ (inches), cross-section 835 measures 2.75″ (inches) and width 845 measures 4″ (inches). As for the left sole length 850 measures 10.5″ (inches), cross-section 860 measures 4″ (inches), cross-section 870 measures 3″ (inches), cross-section 880 measures 2.75″ (inches) and width 890 measures 4″ (inches). In other embodiments, the measurement is commensurate with the size of the disclosed sock. It can be appreciated that an artisan of ordinary skill in the art can use other measurements and geometries without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

Walking barefoot or even wearing cotton socks on surfaces previously contaminated carries major risk. Case studies have shown that germs can survive for long periods of time on the soles of cotton socks or shoe bottoms. The germs are transferred to tiles and carpets in the home where they find a harbor to be transmitted later or even weeks after the surface was contaminated. Germaway socks serve as a shield against these organisms providing comfort and the protection needed under those circumstances. In addition to the protective factors, Germaway socks have the following features. Germaway socks are available in a wide variety of colors, embossed patterns 100% polyethylene spun bond-pp-non-woven fabric with a unique design style that does not compromise its functionality.

In some embodiments, Germaway socks are made with waterproof Terry Fabric 80% cotton, 20% polylaminated Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TRU), breathable, durable/tear resistant, stretchable, lightweight, flame retardant and anti-slip. Germaway socks are ankle length with highly durable elastic to support the ankle. In other embodiments, Germaway socks are below the ankle length. Yet, in other embodiments, Germaway socks are above the ankle length, Germaway socks are disposable, anti-UV and eco-friendly, biodegradable, harmless and non-toxic. Germaway socks are unisex for adults and children and accommodate every size. Germaway socks are made of standard pattern and custom patterns.

Although various embodiments, which incorporate the teachings of the present disclosed sock have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. 

We claim:
 1. A footwear article, comprising: a quarter lining, at least a portion of which is attached to a vamp lining and intertwined ankle support configured to at least partially enclose a foot, wherein the quarter lining is longitudinally attached to a sole wherein the quarter lining and intertwined ankle support form a back heel extending in a direction from a heel side of the footwear article to an ankle of the footwear article; wherein the combination of materials used to construct the footwear article together with the geometries of the different parts of the footwear article allows each material to perform its function as an integral element of the design of the footwear article thereby allowing the footwear article to perform the functionalities associated with a slip resistant impermeable apparatus that can be worn in multiple locations without concern of soiling or dirtying the bottom of the footwear article or floor.
 2. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a left side and a right side.
 3. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the quarter lining further comprises a side arch.
 4. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the quarter lining further comprises a left portion and right portions.
 5. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the portions of the quarter lining are joined together thereby allowing the quarter lining to become an enclosed structure.
 6. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the quarter lining is liquid repellant.
 7. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the vamp lining comprises a left portion and right portions.
 8. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the vamp lining is liquid repellant.
 9. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the ankle support is elastic and configured to stretch from one position to a second position thereby securing the footwear article around the ankle of the individual wearing the footwear article.
 10. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a right sole and a left sole.
 11. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the right and left soles further comprise one or more patterns. 